Convicted Hitman Wants New Trial

By Victor Blackwell
First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Seven years ago, Donald Bradley denied taking life. Now, he hopes to save his own.
Bradley was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Jack Jones. Bradley wants a new trial.
"He's very afraid, he's worried, he doesn't understand why he is there. I don't either," said Bradley's mother, Julie Witherell.
Witherell has never spoken publicly about the case. For the first time, she says her son was not given a fair shake.
"I certainly don't think that he deserves to be on death row when Linda has life," said Witherell.
According to court documents, Jack Jones' wife, Linda, hired Bradley to attack her husband. She suspected he was having an affair.
During the beating, Bradley and two of his employees, Patrick and Brian McWhite, killed Jack Jones.
Linda Jones was sentenced to life in prison. Patrick and Brian McWhite were sentenced to ten years behind bars.
Bradley's new lawyer claims his former attorney, Alan Chipperfield is partly responsible for his death sentence.
"He provided ineffective assistance as counsel, such that it compromised Mr. Bradley's representation," said Bradley's current attorney, Richard Kuritz.
"Mr. Chipperfield, I can tell you generally is, if not the best, one of the best defense attorneys in the city of Jacksonville," said Chief Assistant State Attorney, Jay Plotkin.
Witherell sat in the courtroom as her son fought for his life. She's fighting with thought that he might lose.
"You don't ever accept it, so there's no wrapping your mind around it," said Witherell.
Attorneys expect a decision on a new trial in the coming months.